Bomb Cyclone and Scorpion’s Tail
Category 3 hurricane winds hit close to home A few days ago, our region of Portugal was hit by a Bomb Cyclone 1 ( explosive cyclogenesis ) that was accompanied by a S corpion’s Tail . 2 This extreme weather event brought winds up to 202 km/h (120 mph) in the early morning hours of January 29, leaving a trail of destruction and heartache. Hurricane-force winds ripped off roofs, destroyed aircraft, downed power lines, ruined homes and cars, and ended lives. This video s
20 hours ago4 min read
Reflecting on Orange Trees in Alcobaça
Yesterday, orange trees caught my attention in downtown Alcobaça and prompted a heartfelt reflection on this moment and place. I grew up near orange groves in Southern California, yet seeing this fruit ripening in the heart of winter still invokes wonder. Enormous orange spheres burst with color, practically singing Joy! Abundance! Hope! Can´t you just you smell them? I had just left a small group of fellow immigrants, all of us trying to memorize lines of a Portuguese
Jan 143 min read
Realities of Living Abroad vs. Fantasies
This is going to be a difficult post to write. And in subsequent posts I will dive more deeply into realities of living abroad. We love living here in Portugal, but some people seem to imagine that we are on an eternal vacation. If you want to keep your fantasy of “unicorns and rainbows” about life in Portugal, stop reading here. The truth is, immigration means leaving behind The Known World. No matter where you go, you are leaving the comforts of home – the friends, the co
Oct 25, 20253 min read
Low Hanging Fruit
Low hanging fruit is not your friend when harvesting grapes. Short people have a definite advantage when harvesting in the vineyards. ...
Sep 20, 20252 min read
